Hand brake for railway tank cars



Oct. 21, 1930. R. w. BURNETT HAND BRAKE FOR RAILWAY TANK CARS 3 Sheets-Shet 1 Filed Oct. 25, 1926 Oct. 21, 1930. R. w. BURNETT 1,778,752

HAND BRAKE FOR RAILWAY TANK CARS Filed Oct. 25, 1926 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 WWW Oct. 21, 1930. R w. BURNETT 1,778,752

HAND BRAKE FOR RAILWAY TANK CARS Filed 001;. 25, 1926 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 F u al UT? Wit/M Eg WM Arm} Patented Oct. 21, 1930 UNITED. STATES RICHARD W. BURNETT, OF, GHIGAGO, ILLINOIS HAND BRAKE FOR RAILWAY TANK CARS Application filed October 25, 1926.. Serial No. 143,928.

My invention relates to hand brakes for railway cars and more particularly to improvements in means for mounting hand brake mechanism on railway tank cars or other types of cars of this general character.

The principal object of the invention is to provide an improved arrangement of hand brake operating mechanism and means for mounting the same on cars of the above general type whereby the said operating mechanism will be rigidly supported in a position convenient for operation by the trainmen and which arrangement permits the use of a relatively large, vertically disposed hand wheel, thereby providing for maximum leverage and at the same time maintain all parts of the said mechanism within the clearance limit prescribed for cars of this character.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide a rigid and inexpensive means for mounting on railway tank cars, the type of hand brake operating mechanism shown in my copending application Serial No. 109,061, filed May 14, 1926.

The invention is illustrated in two specific embodiments in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary view of a railway tank car having a hand brake mechanism mounted thereon iii accordance with this invention, parts of the said car framing being shown in section for the purpose of elearness.

Fig. 2 is an end view of the tank car construction and hand brake mechanism shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a sectional plan view taken on line 33 of Fig. 1. i

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 1 illustrating another type of railway tank car.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary end view of the tank car and hand brake mechanism illustrated in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a plan view taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 5. I

Fig. 7 is a view similartoFig. 4 but showing a modification which is particularly suitable for railway tank cars in which the tank is somewhat longer than that shown in Fig.

4, but is somewhat shorter than that shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the brake operating mechanism illustrated in Fig. 7, and

Fig. 9 is a plan view illustrating a further modification.

Referring first to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings, wherein I have shown so much of a railway tank car as is necessary to properly illustrate the construction and advantageous arrangements of my improved hand brake mounting. In the above figures, 10 designates the end sill, 11-11 the center sills, and 12 the tank of the railway tank car. In this embodiment the tank extends substantially the full length of the under-frame.

The hand brake operating mechanism may be and preferably is the same as that shown in my co-pending application, above identified. It may bedescribed generally as consisting of a bell crank 13 about which the brake chain 1 1 is wrapped during the brake setting operation, a flexible connector 15 connecting the power end of the bell crank with the winding mechanism (not shown) arranged within the mechanism casing 16, and a vertically disposed hand wheel 17 for operating the winding mechanism, and latch mechanism 18 for releasably holding the winding mechanism from reverse movement.

The operating mechanism is supported on the car by means of spaced vertically disposed post members 19 and 20. These members are preferably Z-shaped in cross section and are secured at their lower ends to the under-framing of the car. In the drawings, said lower ends are attached to a base portion consisting of a channel member 21 and a floor plate 21 extending transversely of the car and suitably secured to the under-framing by means of a rivets 22 or other attaching means. The channel is also braced and rigidified by diagonal braces 23-23, secured to the upper part of the channel member and to the flooring of the car. The Z-bars 19 and 20 are arranged so that the free flanges 242 1 extend toward the opposite sides of the car and the flanges 25-25 are secured together at their upper ends by means of a wooden block 26 secured to the Z bars and positioned to bear against the end of the tank. The mechanism casing 16, in which the winding mechanism is enclosed, is positioned between the upper ends of the 2 bars and se. cured to the fianges 2525. The flanges 24 of the Z-bar 19 may, if desired, be cut away at its upper end, shown at 27, Fig. 2, so as to provide clearance for the latch operating lever 18.

When setting the brakes, the brakemen will stand on the end sill 10 and operate the hand wheel 17 in a clockwise direction relative to Fig. 2. This operation will move the connector 15 upwardly and thereby rock the bell crank 13 so as to wrap the brake chain 14 upon the periphery of said bell crank. WVith this arrangement, the brakemen will stand at one side of the center of the car during the brake setting operation. It also permits the use of a relatively large hand wheel in a minimum space, whereby maximum leverage may be applied to the hand brake with minimum exertion and thereby enable the brakemen more readily to control the movements of the car.

In Figs. 4, 5 and 6 I have shown a tank car construction in which the tank 12 is somewhat shorter than the center sills. In this type of car the Z bars are arranged so that the attached flanges 27 extend outwardly toward the sides of the car. The mechanism casing 16 is positioned between the Z bars with the hand wheel 17 projecting rearwardly toward the tank. eted or otherwise suitably secured to the flanges 2828. Flanges 27 and center web of the 2 bars, are preferably cut away, as indicated in Fig. 5. The connection of the 2 bars to the underframe of the car is preferably the same as that shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. With the modified arrangement shown in Figs. 4:, 5 and 6, the brakeman may stand between the tank and the hand wheel mechanism during the brake setting operation. This arrangement of the brake operating mechanism utilizes the space between the end of the end sills and the end of the tank.

In Figs. 7 and 8 I have shown a modification which is particularly suitable for rail- Way tank cars in which the tank is somewhat longer than that illustrated in Fig. 4. In this modification the vertically disposed -.2 bars 28, instead of being secured to the channel member 21 as indicated in the preceding figure, is attached directly to the end sill of the car. This means of attachment, however, is illustrated merely for the purpose of convenience. It will be obvious that the said Z bars can be attached to the underframing of the car in any suitable manner, for'example, in

, the manner indicated in the preceding figure.

The inwardly projecting flanges of the 2 bars 21 are cut away as indicated at 30. Short an les 31-31 are secured to the webs of the Z %ars. The hand brake operating mecha- The casing 16 is rivnism is then secured to the inwardly PIOJGCting flanges of the angle none 31. 1n much the I U l 0 same manner as that indicated in Inge. l to 6 lncluslve. The Z bars 28 are preferably spaced far enough apart so that the webs of the Z bars and the angles 31 will not interfere with the operation of the latch mechanism 18*.

With the above embodiment the hand brake operating mechanism 16- may be supported in advance of the position indicated in Fig. 4, so as to provide additional space between the hand operating wheel and the end of the tank, when the tank of the car is of such length as to make such additional clearance desirable.

In Fig. 9 I have illustrated a modification which is substantially the same as the embodiment shown in Figs. 7 and 8 except that in the modification shown in this figure vertically disposed angle bars 32-32 are 'employed instead of the Z bar posts 28. In this connection it will be noted that the angle bars 32 may be used also in theconstructions illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6 inclusive, if such modification is desired.

The hand brake mountings shown in the 'nine figures of the drawings are designed for and are particularly advantageous in connection with tank car construction as shown in the drawings. It will be obvious, however, that the embodiments shown herein might be used to an advantage with other types of tank cars or other types of cars in general without departing from the spirit of the invention. It will therefore be understood that I contemplate all such modifications as come within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In combination with the under-framing of a railway car and a brake rigging beneath the car, post members spaced apart and secured at their lower ends to the under-framing, hand brake operating mechanism arranged between and secured to said posts to provide for clearance between the operating mechanism and an adjacent car and to reinforce said posts, and means connecting the hand brake operating mechanism with said brake rigging.

2. In combination with the under-tram ing and brake rigging of a railway car, a tank supported on said under-framing, post members spaced apart and secured at their lower ends to the underframing, a wooden block positioned to bear against the tank of the car and securing the upper ends of said post members together, hand brake operating mechanism arranged between the post members and secured thereto, and means connecting the hand brake operating mechanism with said brake rigging.

3." In combination with the under-framing and brake rigging of a railway car, a supporting. member extending transversely of lift) lilf) the car, upstanding angular post members having flanges extending toward each other and secured at their lower ends to a vertical face of said supporting member, hand brake operating mechanism positioned between said post members an-l secured to said flanges, and means connecting the said hand brake operating mechanism to the brake rigging of the car.

4. A supporting structure for the hand brake operating mechanism of a railway tank car, comprising a base portion extending transversely of the car, angular post members spaced apart to permit said operating mechanism to be positioned between them and secured at their lower ends to a side face of said base structure.

5. A supporting structure for hand brake operating mechanism of a railway tank car, comprising a base portion including a member extending transversely of the car for transmitting brake setting strains to the under frame of the car, :ngular post members spaced apart to permit said operating mechanism to be positioned between them and secured at their lower ends to said channel member.

6. A supporting structure for the hand brake operating mechanism of a railway tank car compirsing a base portion including a floor plate, a member secured thereto and extending transversely of the car, diagonal braces secured to the floor plate and to said transversely extending member, angular post members spaced apart to permit said operating mechanism to be positioned between them and secured at their lower ends to said transversely extending member.

7. A supporting st:ucture for the hand brake operating mechanism of a railway tank car, comprising a base portion extending transversely of the car and including an angular member and braces secured to said angular member and to the car framing, post members having flanges extending toward each other and secured at their lower ends to said angular member, said post members being spaced apart to permit the hand operating mechanism to be positioned between their upper ends.

8. A supporting structure for the hand brake operating mechanism of a railway tank car, comprising a base portion extending transversely of the car and including a channel member and braces secured to said channel and to the car framing, 2 bar post members having their out-turned flanges secured at their lower ends to said channel, said Z bars being spaced apart to permit the hand operating mechanism to be positioned between their upper ends and secured to their inwardly projecting flanges.

9. In combination with the longitudinal sills and the brake rigging of a railway car, supporting structure for hand brake operating mechanism comprising a base portion extending transversely of and secured to a plurality of said sills, spaced upwardly extending post members secured to the base, hand operated mechanisms secured to said posts, a bell crank secured to said base portion, means connecting the bell crank and hand operated mechanism, and means connecting the bell crank with the brake rigging.

10. In combination with the under-framing and brake rigging of a railway car, supporting structure for hand brake mechanism comprising a base portion, spaced upwardly extending Z bars, the inwardly extending flanges of which are secured to said base, hand operated mechanism positioned between said 2 bars and secured to said inwardly projecting flanges, a bell crank beneath the car secured to said base portion, means connecting the bell crank and hand operated mechanism, and means connecting the bell crank with the brake rigging.

11. The combination with a rocking member, means for connecting the rocking member to the brake rigging of the car, winding mechanism, and aflexible connector connecting the winding mechanism and rocking member, of means for mounting said mechanism upon a car comprising upstanding posts to the upper ends of which the said winding mechanism is attached, a base member to which the lower ends of the posts are secured and to which the said rocking member is attached so as to transmit brake setting strains to the under framing of the car and whereby the hand brake mechanism may be installed on a car as a single unit.

12. The combination with a rocking member, means for connecting the rocking member to the brake rigging of the car, winding mechanism, and a flexible connector connecting the winding mechanism and rocking member, of means for mounting said mechanism on a carcomprising upstanding angular posts to the upper ends of which the said winding mechanism is attached, a base member extending transversely of the car to which the lower ends of said posts are secured and to which the said rocking member is attached so as to transmit brake setting strains to under framing of the car, and means for bracing and reinforcing the lower portion of said post members.

13. The combination with a rocking member, a flexible connector attached at one end to the rocking member and at the other end to the brake rigging, means for applying power to the brakes comprising a winding mechanism and a flexible connector connecting the winding mechanism to said rocking member, of means for supporting said hand brake mechanism comprising an upstanding frame member to which said winding member is secured and a transverse base member to which the said rocking member is secured film in fixed position relative to the winding member, and means providing a rigid attachment of the said frame to the under-framing of the car.

14. The combination with a rocking member, a flexible connector providing an operative connection between said rocking member and the brake rigging of a car, winding mechanism, and a flexible connector connecting the winding mechanism with said rocking member, means for mounting said mechanism on a car comprising spaced upstanding angular post members between the'upper ends of which the said winding mechanism is supported, a transverse base to which the lower ends of said posts are secured and adapted to be attached to the under-framing of the car and diagonal brace members for reinforcing said supporting structure adjacent its attachment to the car under-framing.

15. A supporting structure for the hand brake operating mechanism of a railway car, comprising a base portion extending transversely of the car and includin diagonal braces secured to said base mem er and to the under-framing of the car, angular post members secured at their lower ends to said base member, said post members being spaced apart to permit the said operating mechanism to be positioned between their upper ends and secured in position therebetween.

16. A supporting structure for the hand brake operating mechanism of a railway car, comprising a base portion extending transversely of the car and including diagonal braces secured to said base member and to the under-framing of the car, angular post members secured at their lower ends to said base member, said post members being spaced apart to permit the said operating mechanism to be positioned between their upper ends and secured in position therebetween so as to extend toward the adjacent end of the car.

17. In combination with the under-framing of a railway car and a brake rigging, post members spaced apart and secured at their lower ends to the under-framing, hand brake operating mechanism arranged between and secured to said posts so as to project toward the opposite end of the car, and means connecting the hand brake operating mechanism with the said brake rigging.

18. In combination with the under-framing of a railway car, vertically disposed post members spaced apart and secured at their lower ends to the car under-framing at one end of the car, brake operating mechanism arranged between and secured to said posts near their upper ends, said upper ends of the posts being formed to project outwardly toward an adjacent car and the said hand brake mechanism being secured to the outwardly projecting portion and facing .'the opposite end of the car.

ing of a railway car, vertically disposed post members secured in spaced relatlon to the under-framing of the car, angle bars arranged to provide inwardly projecting flanges and secured to the upper end portions of said posts to project outwardly from the end of the car, and hand brake operating mechanism disposed between said posts and secured to said angle bars to project inwardly toward the central portion of the car.

20. In combination with the under-framing of a railway car, vertically disposed 2- bar post members spaced apart and secured at their lower ends to the under-framing of the car and having the u per portions of their inwardly projecting anges cutaway, angle bars arranged to provide inwardly projecting flanges and secured to the central web of said Z-bars near their upper ends, so as to project outwardly form the end of the car, and hand-brake operating mechanism secured to said angle bars and projecting toward the opposite end of the car.

RICHARD W. BURNETT. 

